This past weekend saw the presentation of the D23 Expo in Japan. Some noteworthy pieces of Star Wars-related news came out of the event, one of which was a little bit more on the new Star Wars themed hotel resort that will coming to Walt Disney World (an official date of opening has yet to be announced). We also learned that a special collection of behind-the-scenes footage from Solo: A Star Wars Story was shown, as well as the revelation that filming for Episode IX (set to land in theaters December 20, 2019) will be starting later on this summer.

The Walt Disney Studios presented a special panel dedicated to Marvel and Star Wars. Marketing President Ricky Strauss was brought to the stage by none other than R2-D2 and C-3PO to talk about the massive success of the Star Wars saga… and give a peek at what’s to come. J.J. Abrams, hard at work co-writing Episode IX before directing it this summer, filmed a special greeting for the audience. And then Ricky unveiled never-before-seen, behind-the-scenes footage from the upcoming Solo: A Star Wars Story.

Here’s hoping the Solo BTS footage that was shown during this event makes its way to the official Star Wars YouTube Channel very soon.

Located in New York with his wife Dianna, Justin LaSalata is the US Editor of Jedi News responsible for reporting on all areas of Star Wars related news as well as coverage from NY Comic Con and Toy Fair NY.